Blakely: Previewing the Top 10 small forwards in the NBA draft

BOSTON – When it comes to this year’s draft class of small forwards, length and athleticism seem to dominate the checklist of strengths.

Because of those strengths, this draft class is filled with players who can do more than just play the small forward position.

They can play multiple positions which gives their future teams an element of flexibility that enables them to play different styles of play with different lineup options.

Look at the NBA Finals between Golden State and Cleveland.

One of the keys to Golden State jumping out to a dominant 2-0 series lead with a pair of blowout wins, has been their ability to switch defensively on the fly, in addition to creating mismatches on the offensive end in part because of the versatility and length they have at the small forward position with Kevin Durant and off the bench, Andre Iguodala.

“Three’s (small forwards) have to play multiple positions coming into the league now,” an NBA scout told CSNNE.com. “If not, they won’t be around long.”

Here’s a look at the top 10 small forwards entering this month’s NBA draft.

1. Josh Jackson, 6-8, 203, Kansas

There are some in NBA circles who believe Jackson is the best talent in this draft and should be a candidate for the number one overall pick. Teams love his ability to play well at both ends of the floor. And while his 3-point shooting was a concern at the start of the season, a strong finish by the 20-year-old from 3-point range has eased those concerns to some degree.

2. Jayson Tatum, 6-8, 204, Duke

Has a nice-looking perimeter game that should translate well to the NBA. He won’t wow you with his athleticism, but he has a high basketball I.Q. that will enable him to make his presence felt in a multitude of ways that may or may not include scoring. He’s one of the more solid prospects high in the draft who does a lot of things well but lacks that one true exceptional trait or skill.

3. Jonathan Isaac, 6-11, 205, Florida State

One of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in the draft, Isaac has the kind of skills that may remind some of a young Kevin Durant. He handles the ball extremely well for a 6-11 player, and can score in face-up situations or with his back to the basket in addition to shooting from 3-point range. The big concern with Isaac is his lithe (205 pounds) frame and whether he can take the physical pounding he will surely endure in the NBA.

4. Justin Jackson, 6-8, 193, North Carolina

This is where the real fall-off begins at the small forward position. Jackson had a great run in leading the Tar Heels to the national championship, displaying the kind of all-around versatility that put him on the radar of NBA teams. His lack of physical strength may limit how much of an impact he can make initially. But his basketball smarts will at least give him a shot at getting on the floor sooner rather than later.

5. Tyler Lydon, 6-10, 225, Syracuse

He fits the “stretch big” profile perfectly, which is why there are many who see him as a likely first round pick. Lydon isn’t going to give you much in terms of rebounding the ball or defense, but he can shoot well in both catch-and-shoot situations, in addition to being an effective spot-up shooter. Finding a team with a strong interior presence that can help mask (hide?) his rebounding/defensive deficiencies while benefiting from his impressive shooting, would serve him well.

6. Rodions Kurucs, 6-8, 190, International

One of the top international prospects in this month’s draft, this Latvian wing player has the ability to play above the rim in addition to beating players off the dribble with a quick first-step to the basket. However, there are legitimate concerns about his health (he has already had a pair of major knee injuries) and whether he’s ready to play at an NBA level after having been playing in Spain’s second division.

7. Semi Ojeleye, 6-6 ¾, 241, SMU

One of the more impressive physical specimens at the NBA combine in Chicago last month, Ojeleye has to show that he’s more than just an undersized college power forward. The transition to playing more as an NBA small forward includes building on the progress he made last season from 3-point range when he shot 42.4 percent on 3’s while taking nearly five (4.9) per game. However, he’s a tweener defensively who hasn’t the size or length to defend bigger players and hasn’t spent enough time having to guard smaller, more perimeter-oriented players. Still, there’s enough potential in him for someone to take a chance on him.

8. Dillon Brooks, 6-7, 215, Oregon

One of the several underclassmen who might have been better off staying in college for one more season, Brooks will have a tough time finding a role in the NBA. He has a versatile skillset, but doesn’t play with the sense of urgency you would want to see from a player with his talent. Like many college players coming from a zone defensive system, Brooks’ ability to hold his own as a defender in the NBA is indeed an unknown.

9. Devin Robinson, 6-8, 200, Florida

Do not be surprised to see Robinson move up a few spots as we get closer to the the June 22 draft. He measured out well at the Chicago pre-draft combine last month despite their being lingering concerns about his lithe frame. That lack of strength has made it difficult for him to play through contact or attack the rim and finish effectively. Proving that he can be an effective defender at both forward positions will go far in determining his future in the NBA.

10. Sterling Brown, 6-5, 225, SMU

With his size, strength and versatility, Brown has the potential to play several positions at the next level. His defensive skills are really good; good enough to get drafted? We’ll find out in a couple weeks.